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Focus on gender-equitable health: Launch of a new multi-stakeholder initiative in the clothing and footwear sector

In April 2022, a new initiative in the textile and footwear industry took off. The aim is to improve the health situation of workers. The focus is on production regions in India and Indonesia as well as possibilities for action in Germany. The organizations FEMNET e.V. and SÜDWIND Institute are initiating the initiative in Germany. "We want to take into account the needs of all relevant stakeholders right from the start. These include local workers, local trade unions and other civil society organizations. At the same time, it is important for us to involve companies, existing initiatives and suppliers," explains project manager Lisa Carl from FEMNET.

The issue is more important than ever: Working conditions in the textile and footwear industry are often harmful to health and characterized by discrimination and violence. The consequences are physical and mental illnesses of the mostly female workers. Women are exposed to specific risks, including the risk of experiencing sexual violence in the workplace. Inadequate sanitary facilities are particularly problematic for them. In addition, poor payment and household and childcare burdens create great mental and financial pressure. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in production sites has worsened.

"With our partner organizations Cividep in India and TURC in Indonesia, we are in an excellent position to advance this important issue locally and across borders," says SÜDWIND's Dr. Jiska Gojowczyk, pleased with the start of the initiative. "We hope that many stakeholders will take advantage of the opportunity to work together." The project, which started at the beginning of the year, is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).